Crystal Palace Skatepark

The new 1,100 square metre skatepark at Crystal Palace Park sees skateboarding return to one of its historic homes, where the first major UK national skateboarding competition took place in 1977, and is located right next to the site of the world famous skateboarding half-pipe of the 1980s.

The design for the hotly anticipated skatepark at Crystal Palace Park includes an advanced tile-and-coping cloverleaf pool – the first in London for 40 years. Construction has now begun on site with the skatepark due to open in early December.

The unique design of the new skatepark is the product of an intensive collaboration between skatepark firm Canvas, Kinnear Landscape Architects and local riders, blending a highly contemporary approach with references to the historic context of Crystal Palace Park.

The skatepark, funded by the Mayor of London, consists of an extended 100 metre (330 feet) long and 11metre (35 feet) wide curved concrete band, filled with a wide range of rideable terrains. At one end sits an advanced cloverleaf pool, complete with swimming pool-style stone coping and tiling. In the middle is an L-shaped steelcoping bowl, particularly suited to skilled transition riders, and offering a multitude of hips and curves. And at the other end of the skatepark is a large mellow section, aimed at those of all abilities and riding styles, and for those just seeking to explore different lines and speeds. BMX, quad-skating, rollerblading, scootering and skateboarding have all been considered in this design, and riders of all ages and abilities will be very welcome.

Surrounding the skatepark – which sits in a distinctive raised tray-like platform – are a series of new grass mounds, allowing for multiple viewing and relaxation points. The wider setting of Crystal Palace Park offers a variety of other leisure, play, café and transport facilities.

A new community group – the Friends of the Crystal Palace Skatepark – has recently been formed, and will act as the community hub for the skatepark facility. An opening jam is planned for 25th August 2018 with demonstrations, lessons and other activities.

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(taken from the Crystal Palace Park website)